Kids Life September/October 2024 | Page 9

details . Check out the hotel ’ s restaurants , from casual to an upscale steakhouse .
NASHVILLE ’ S HISTORIC TREASURES : THE RYMAN AUDITORIUM , AND THE GRAND OLE OPRY
Visit the historic Ryman Auditorium , once home to the Grand Ole Opry . The Ryman Auditorium is a National Historic Landmark and active performance venue plus museum . The venue has hosted artists from Charlie Chaplin and Hank Williams to Taylor Swift . Take your time on this self-guided tour , but make sure you view the informative film upstairs first . Pose on the stage for a free 5X7 photo .
Reserve tickets before leaving home for a Grand Ole Opry Show . The Opry honors its rich history with a mix of country music legends and contemporary chart toppers . A few years ago , we were lucky to see Keith Urban inducted into the Opry . You can also reserve Daytime Tours , Post-Show Tours , VIP tours or Acuff House Tours . Once , we got to see Vince Gill . You never know who you will see backstage .
Grandparents will enjoy spending time with the kids while you explore the city . Nashville is home to more than 180 live music venues with artists from every genre . We opted for a serene evening at the Listening Room . This popular venue highlights songwriters through writers ’ sessions . The talented songwriters Eric Van Houten , Blake Chaffin and Adam Hambrick shared stories of how they got started in the business and the stories behind the songs , including who recorded them . It was pure entertainment when they sang their songs for us .
THE COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM is one of the world ’ s largest museums dedicated to country music . Through exhibits , publications , and educational programs , the museum is a family favorite . Here , you will see artifacts , permanent objects , and collection documents . There are more than eight hundred costumes , over six hundred instruments , and hundreds of other objects from microphones to automobiles . Yes , they even have Elvis ’ gold-plated Cadillac .
Kids and teens will dance , twirl and sing at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum ’ s current exhibits , including American Currents – State of the Music Exhibit . The music is electrifying , and the mood changes instantly . The latest installment included artists like Kelsea Ballerini , Luke Combs , Jelly Roll , Lainey Wilson , and more . Big screens showcase the
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum-The Taylor Swift Education Center . Photo Credit : Larry Holloway Photography
music from the new wave of artist sweeping the U . S . Luke Combs : The Man I Am , is another must-see exhibit . Bill Monroe ’ s mandolin is on display . Stop by the Patty Loveless – No Trouble with the Truth exhibit .
THE TAYLOR SWIFT EDUCATION CENTER at the museum is a kid and teen favorite that includes three classrooms , a hands-on instrument room , and a children ’ s exhibit gallery for interactive exhibits . The $ 4 million donation by Swift is the largest donation to the museum . Here , family and youth programs are perfect for kids . We witnessed kids coloring and writing songs at the song writing station . After they finish writing their song , they place them on a magnetic grid . Be sure to add a ticket to Hatch Show Print , located within the museum building , where the entire family can get in on the action . View 140 years of music history in vintage posters and prints , attend a workshop , or take home your own piece of music history . Ask about printing your own keepsake .

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HISTORIC RCA STUDIO B tickets can be purchased at the Country Music Hall of Fame . You will board a bus that takes you a few minutes from downtown to the historic building , known as the home of 1,000 hits . We met a couple who traveled to Nashville from the Netherlands , and they mentioned that the studio was their first stop--proving the international popularity . Our tour guide was informative and humorous . Since 1957 , hits have been recorded here . Charley Pride recorded “ Kiss an Angel Good Morning ” at the studio . At the